Exhibition of a visionary early 20th century master photographer

Jun 30, 2003

A special exhibition of the photographic works of early 20th century photographer, Cecil Bostock, who was the teacher of renowned photographer, Max Dupain, will go on display at the University of Wollongong from Wednesday 2 July for the remainder of the month.

Cecil Bostock was one of the founders of the Sydney Camera Circle, a group of photographers who would meet in his commercial art studio to plan photographic exhibitions and expeditions around Sydney and its growing suburbs. One of the co-founders of this group was another well-known early 20th century photographer, Harold Cazneaux. During this period Bostock and Cazneaux took thousands of photographs of Pittwater surrounding Sydney and overseas.

Max Dupain was Bostock's apprentice from 1930-33 and they had a mutual influence over each other's work. One of Dupain's photos will also be on display.

Mrs Hallett-Cannon said her grandfather was among the first to present photography as an art form where one could appreciate the picture for itself and not just as a historical record.Bostock was also a skilled bookbinder and calligrapher. Commissioned to document the building of David Jones in Sydney, Bostock also mapped Sydney Harbour and bound books for the Prince of Wales and the Pope.

Footnote: Cecil Bostock's grandson, Chris Hallett, was a student at the University of Wollongong many years ago.

Media please note: The granddaughter of Cecil Bostock (Callala Bay resident Lea Hallett-Cannon) will be in Wollongong to hang the display of her grandfather's photographs tomorrow morning (Tuesday 1 July) between 11.30am and 12.30pm in the foyer of Building 67 (McKinnon Building) for anyone seeking a good filming/photo opportunity. The exhibition will feature about 30 A-3 framed photos and accompanying information.